Hello Everyone!
I am 43, have been in pain for 20 years and cannot bear it any longer. I was diagnosed in my early teens with scoliosis and was told not to worry about it because it wasn't that bad. As a young adult, pain set in in my lower back, but I tried to ignore it. After my daughter was born 11 years ago, pain was unbearable. Doctor told me I was too old for a brace and for me to "just sit up straight." Unbelievable!
Years went by, and I went to a chiropractor 5 years ago and my x-rays showed 40 degree curve. I was shocked at what I saw on the x-rays. Chiro relived some pain in the beginning, but then started to aggravate my back so I stopped. Since June of this year, my pain is in more places now and my back hurts when I breathe.
Last week I saw my family physician who prescribed physical therapy. He said that I really don't want to explore surgery until I've exhausted all other options. Really? He sent me to a physical therapy doctor who took x-ray which showed upper curve 53.6 degrees and lower curve 51.9 degrees. I'm shocked again by what I saw. Isn't that a big progression; 40 degrees to 53 degrees in 5 years?
Vacuuming the house takes me two days because the pain it causes in my back. It is ridiculous how my lifestyle has become limited with things I am unable to do because my pain will flare up. I'm tired of saying, "I can't do this/that because of my back." My grin-and-bear-it philosophy isn't making my back healthier which is why I went to a new doctor last week.
At the same time, I am experiencing an issue with my heart and have an ultrasound scheduled this week along with MRI of my spine. Family doc said his goal is to minimize my pain. After seeing my degrees last week, my goal is #1 stop the progression #2 minimize pain. I'm not an expert, but will physical therapy help while I pursue finding a surgeon?
I've enjoyed reading everyone's experiences/journeys on this forum and am excited to hear people's advice/suggestions. I'm praying for favorable heart ultrasound results so I can move forward with correcting my spine.
Warmly,
Doreen
I am 43, have been in pain for 20 years and cannot bear it any longer. I was diagnosed in my early teens with scoliosis and was told not to worry about it because it wasn't that bad. As a young adult, pain set in in my lower back, but I tried to ignore it. After my daughter was born 11 years ago, pain was unbearable. Doctor told me I was too old for a brace and for me to "just sit up straight." Unbelievable!
Years went by, and I went to a chiropractor 5 years ago and my x-rays showed 40 degree curve. I was shocked at what I saw on the x-rays. Chiro relived some pain in the beginning, but then started to aggravate my back so I stopped. Since June of this year, my pain is in more places now and my back hurts when I breathe.
Last week I saw my family physician who prescribed physical therapy. He said that I really don't want to explore surgery until I've exhausted all other options. Really? He sent me to a physical therapy doctor who took x-ray which showed upper curve 53.6 degrees and lower curve 51.9 degrees. I'm shocked again by what I saw. Isn't that a big progression; 40 degrees to 53 degrees in 5 years?
Vacuuming the house takes me two days because the pain it causes in my back. It is ridiculous how my lifestyle has become limited with things I am unable to do because my pain will flare up. I'm tired of saying, "I can't do this/that because of my back." My grin-and-bear-it philosophy isn't making my back healthier which is why I went to a new doctor last week.
At the same time, I am experiencing an issue with my heart and have an ultrasound scheduled this week along with MRI of my spine. Family doc said his goal is to minimize my pain. After seeing my degrees last week, my goal is #1 stop the progression #2 minimize pain. I'm not an expert, but will physical therapy help while I pursue finding a surgeon?
I've enjoyed reading everyone's experiences/journeys on this forum and am excited to hear people's advice/suggestions. I'm praying for favorable heart ultrasound results so I can move forward with correcting my spine.
Warmly,
Doreen
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